Why local papers count: highlighting campaigns is a good public service

This is the third in an occasional series devoted to showing why local journalism is both good for communities and necessary to sustain democracy.

Local newspaper editors routinely act for the public benefit and I am seeking to highlight examples, whether they happen to be holding power to account, providing essential information or running public service campaigns.

Today's "Why local papers count" also extends the criteria to illustrate that, if even not campaigning themselves, newspapers provide an essential forum for concerned citizens to do so. They are an essential link between politicians and the public.

I have chosen a couple of somewhat mundane instances on purpose because they not only show how this routine "work" enhances local democracy but also remind the metropolitan political and media élite about the value of the network of "small" papers across Britain.

Let's begin with a typical case of a newspaper-run campaign. More than 3,000 residents backed the Wakefield Express campaign to ensure that station platforms were made safer, with CCTV and permanently staffing.

The result? The campaign helped the local MP to persuade transport ministers Lord Adonis and Geoff Hoon to visit the town's main station. Well done to the Express (owner: Johnston Press; circ: 30,718).

One of the key supporters is Kevin Mukendi, a 17-year-old sixth-form pupil, whose cousin was stabbed to death in a fight. Now he is a leading light in the Barking-based "Life is a big deal" campaign, which tours the borough's schools to preach its message.

The Post (owner: Archant; circ: 11,836) ends its article with an address and phone number to enable people to contact the group.

Another example. The Scarborough Evening News tells how a town councillor, Penny Marsden, is gathering support to extending the hours of a "vital" bus service.

In its article, the paper (owner: Johnston Press; circ: 12,676) provides a history of the problems faced by residents, sets out the councillor's case with extensive quotes and then gives her contact address.

Arguably, it would have been more perfect if the reporter had managed to obtain an explanation from the North Yorkshire county council, which is responsible for the buses, but it still performed its public service role well.

How would the civic trust and the local antiquarian society build interest in such an idea without a paper around?

Finally, a story from the twice-weekly Burnley Express that shows why Westminster politicians benefit from coverage in local papers.

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher, who has been campaigning to improve conditions at the town's general hospital, has had the first clear sign that she is being taken seriously by East Lancashire hospital trust.